A free health camp organised under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar (SNSP) Abhiyaan at Mayem Panchayat Hall on 21st September witnessed an enthusiastic response, with over 100 women and children availing themselves of a range of medical services.
The initiative, led by the Public Health Centre (PHC), Mayem, provided critical preventive and diagnostic services such as general checkups, blood pressure monitoring, haemoglobin testing, diabetes screening, breast cancer screening, PAP smear tests, sputum collection, chest X-rays, and eye checkups — all free of cost.
The event was inaugurated by Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), who lauded the initiative as a proactive step towards preventing medical emergencies and promoting family health through better women’s healthcare. “These camps are crucial for improving the health of women, which in turn leads to stronger, healthier households,” he stated.
Premendra Shet, MLA of Mayem, highlighted that the health camp was part of broader welfare efforts under the “Seva Parva” initiative. He praised the selfless efforts of doctors and healthcare staff in bringing quality medical services to grassroots communities.
Other dignitaries present included Chandrakant Shetye, MLA from Bicholim Constituency; former MLA Damu Naik; and the Sarpanch of Mayem Panchayat. Dr. Urmila Gauns, the Nodal Officer for the camp, welcomed the guests and coordinated the camp’s activities along with the local health department staff.
The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th September as a national mission to deliver preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare services to women and children. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women & Child Development, the campaign aims to conduct over 10 lakh health camps across the country until 2nd October, focusing on reaching the last mile.
In Goa, health camps are being held across all villages, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare delivery. The Mayem health camp serves as a shining example of what community-based outreach can achieve when local leaders and medical professionals come together with a shared mission.
In a progressive step blending national interest with innovative tourism infrastructure usage, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to host Cyber Commando Training Programs at the Farmagudi Residency in Ponda, Goa.
The formal signing took place in Panaji, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Director of NFSU, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) Hotels, GTDC, executing the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by key officials including Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Sunder Lal Sharma, Deputy Registrar, NFSU. Following the event, the NFSU delegation met with Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, at Paryatan Bhavan to discuss the scope and impact of the partnership.
This MoU marks a significant milestone, not only by opening up GTDC’s Farmagudi Residency for a national security initiative but also by reinforcing the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign. The initiative emphasizes developing the hinterland and promoting sustainable, diversified tourism experiences beyond Goa’s well-known coastline.
Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar expressed pride in the partnership, stating that this collaboration highlights how GTDC properties can serve national objectives while boosting regional tourism. He noted that the upcoming NFSU campus in his constituency would further strengthen these developments.
Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, emphasized the innovative use of GTDC assets, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national importance and adapting its tourism offerings to new contexts.
Farmagudi Residency, the training venue, is situated in a peaceful, scenic location in Ponda, approximately 26 km from Panaji and 36 km from Dabolim Airport. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, landscaped gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both intensive training and leisure.
This collaboration between GTDC and NFSU exemplifies the potential for public sector partnerships to align with national priorities while enhancing regional development and tourism. It represents a vision of integrated progress where infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism go hand in hand.
In a significant move to streamline financial services and enhance the integrity of the taxation system, the Government of India has announced that, starting from July 1, 2025, obtaining a new Permanent Account Number (PAN) card will require mandatory Aadhaar authentication. This new directive is set to simplify the process of PAN card issuance and create a more secure and integrated framework for financial transactions across the country.
Why the Change?
The new rule comes as part of the government’s continued push to digitize and modernize the financial and tax systems. Linking Aadhaar with PAN is expected to reduce instances of identity fraud and tax evasion, making the entire process more transparent and secure. It also aims to eliminate the need for multiple documents when applying for a PAN card, as Aadhaar will serve as the primary identity verification.
By linking the Aadhaar number with the PAN, the government aims to ensure a seamless and unified identity system across multiple sectors, ranging from banking to taxation, and even government welfare schemes. This move is in line with the government’s larger vision of Digital India, where data integration and digital identity verification are key pillars.
As of July 1, every applicant for a new PAN card will need to complete an Aadhaar authentication process. This will involve the following steps:
Linking Aadhaar with PAN: Applicants will be required to link their Aadhaar number to their PAN during the application process. This can be done by entering the Aadhaar number on the official website of the Income Tax Department or at a designated PAN application center.
OTP-Based Authentication: Once the Aadhaar number is provided, an OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the applicant’s registered mobile number linked with their Aadhaar. The OTP will be used for authentication, confirming the identity of the applicant.
Faster and Paperless Process: This integration will allow for a faster, more secure, and paperless process of applying for a PAN card. The Aadhaar database will serve as the primary point of reference for verifying the applicant’s identity, thus reducing delays associated with document verification.
Key Benefits of the Aadhaar-PAN Integration
Enhanced Security: Linking Aadhaar with PAN will significantly reduce the risk of fraudulent activities, including multiple PANs being issued to a single individual, which could be used for illegal or unethical purposes.
Reduced Tax Evasion: The move is aimed at reducing tax evasion, as it will be more difficult for individuals to hold multiple PAN cards under different names. It will also help the government track transactions more efficiently.
Faster Processing: The application process will be much quicker, as there will be no need for physical document verification. The Aadhaar authentication will act as a reliable and instant proof of identity.
Simplified Verification: Linking Aadhaar and PAN will simplify the verification process in several services, including opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and applying for loans or government schemes. It will also make it easier to ensure that welfare benefits reach the intended recipients.
Better Government Service Delivery: The integration will lead to more efficient service delivery by ensuring that public services and welfare schemes are properly targeted and reach the right people.
Impact on Existing PAN Card Holders
For existing PAN card holders, the Aadhaar linking with PAN has been a requirement for some time. However, this new mandate will only impact those who are applying for a new PAN. If you are an existing PAN card holder and have already linked your Aadhaar number, no further action will be needed.
For those who have not yet linked their Aadhaar with PAN, the last date for linking remains March 31, 2025, after which the PAN may become inactive. In case you haven’t linked your Aadhaar with PAN, it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible to avoid disruptions in financial transactions.
How to Link Aadhaar with PAN
Online Method:
Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department.
Go to the ‘Link Aadhaar’ section under the ‘PAN Services’ tab.
Enter your PAN and Aadhaar details along with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
Click ‘Submit’ to complete the linking process.
Offline Method:
Visit a nearby PAN application center or Aadhaar Seva Kendra.
Submit your PAN card and Aadhaar details for manual verification.
Challenges and Concerns
While this new system promises to make the PAN card application process smoother and more secure, there are concerns regarding privacy and accessibility. Some citizens may face difficulties if their Aadhaar details are not up-to-date, or if their Aadhaar is linked to a mobile number that they no longer have access to.
The government has assured that necessary safeguards will be in place to protect privacy and data security. However, individuals who face issues during the Aadhaar authentication process will have access to support through official channels to resolve their concerns.
Conclusion
The mandatory Aadhaar authentication for new PAN card applications is a significant step in the government’s ongoing effort to modernize India’s financial and taxation systems. The move is expected to not only reduce the risk of fraud but also to bring about greater efficiency and transparency in financial transactions. While existing PAN cardholders have already been urged to link their Aadhaar, this new rule will help create a more secure and integrated digital identity system across the country.
Important Dates
July 1, 2025: Mandatory Aadhaar authentication for all new PAN card applications.
March 31, 2025: Last date to link Aadhaar with existing PAN cards.
Open Forum for Startups Scheduled on 7th May to Build on This Momentum
Altinho, May 06, 2025: The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025, an initiative launched by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, announces its last call for registration, with close to 500 startups from India and across the globe already joining the movement.
This overwhelming response reflects the growing interest in Goa’s innovation ecosystem. The Challenge, which invited problem-solvers to tackle real-world challenges across sectors such as Tourism, Waste Management, Agriculture, Public Services, NABARD, and Industry, has emerged as a platform where startups, student innovators, government departments, and industry leaders converge to drive change.
Through this initiative, selected participants will gain direct piloting opportunities with government and industry stakeholders, enabling them to test, validate, and scale their solutions where it matters most.
As the Challenge moves into its next phase, an Open Forum for Startups will be held on 7th May 2025, between 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Startups can choose to join virtually via Google Meet or visit the IT Hub, Altinho during this time. The forum will serve as a space to raise queries, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussion. Click here to register for the Open Forum
With the finale scheduled for 30th May 2025, the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 has already made its mark as a bold step towards scalable innovation—positioning Goa as a ground for developing and deploying practical, technology-led solutions.
As part of the ongoing ‘Swachhata Fortnight’ celebrations from January 16th to 31st, 2025, employees of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Goa and the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) Goa reaffirmed their commitment to cleanliness and hygiene.
In a solemn ceremony held today, Shri Nana Meshram, Director of PIB Goa, administered the pledge of Swachhata to the staff members. The employees pledged to contribute to the maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene in their workplace and surroundings.
The ‘Swachhata Fortnight’ initiative aims to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation among citizens, and to encourage community participation in maintaining a clean environment.
By taking the pledge, the employees of PIB Goa and CBC Goa have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the values of cleanliness and hygiene, and to contributing to the nation’s efforts towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
The ceremony was a testament to the dedication of the employees towards promoting cleanliness and hygiene, and serves as an inspiration to others to join in the efforts towards a Swachh Bharat.
